The Museum

More than 5,000 people Smith Island each year, and the idea for a museum grew from the need for visitor services on the Island. Planning began with a group of state agencies convened by the Secretary of State’s office and in 1991 a non-profit organization, the Crisfield & Smith Island Cultural Alliance, Inc., was formed, with a board of directors made up of residents of the Island, Crisfield and others who could bring special skills to the project. ...

About Us

The Center grew out of a request from the community for a place where the increasing numbers of tourists could learn about the Island, its history, economic and social life. Tourists visit the Island at the residents’ busiest time–the crabbing season–and residents naturally find it difficult to respond to requests for information on a casual basis. They wanted to focus and structure the tourists visits. Residents are also quite aware that change...

Tourism

Smith Island lies in the Chesapeake Bay twelve miles west of Crisfield, Maryland. It is Maryland’s lone offshore island in the Chesapeake Bay accessible only by boat.
Everything that comes to the island must be brought over by passenger ferry service, from groceries and mail to golf carts and lumber. The five by three mile island has three communities with a total island population of about 350 people. Ewell is the largest and is joined to Rhodes Point by...

Getting Here

The boat schedules to Smith Island from Crisfield and the western shore vary with season and the weather. The cruise boats provide always provide round-trip service from the mainland from late spring through early fall. The three passenger ferries operate year-round, and make at least one daily round-trip from Smith Island to Crisfield. A second afternoon boat from the Island to Crisfield is usually available during warm weather months. If you are...

Smith Island Cakes

Smith Island has its own region-specific traditional cuisine. The most famous dish is a locally produced cake featuring 8 to 15 thin layers filled with creme, frosting and/or crushed candy bars. The cake is iced with a cooked chocolate icing. The cake is often made using a commercial cake mix but with unique additions such as condensed milk. It can also be made from scratch using flour. The most common flavor is yellow cake with chocolate icing but other...

A Taste of Smith Island

The boat will leave the Somers Cove Marina at 5:30 for a cruise to Smith Island where you will get to dine on some of Smith Island’s special dishes and have a delicious slice of Smith Island Cake afterwards and a moonlit cruise back to Crisfield. Tickets are $50.00 per person. For more information call Sandie Marriner at 410-651-2150 or the Smith Island Center at 410-425-3351
“A Taste of Smith Island”
Dinner/ Cruise and Silent Auction
To be...

Most people aren’t aware of this tiny island in the middle of the Chesapeake Bay called Smith Island. I personally experienced this island nearly 5 years ago and fell in love with it. Less than a year later I bought a property on the island as retreat for my family. Having two children, there was no other place that gave my family the peace and beauty of the island’s surroundings.

Crabbing, fishing, kayaking, and boating are just some of the things that can entertain you while you are there. The museum in the middle of town is a “must see” attraction which will educate you on the history and heritage of the island as well as some nifty souvenirs to take home. If you have the chance to visit the island, don’t pass it up. Smith Island will create memories for a lifetime.